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This Entrepreneurial Story is about Tanushree Nair Founder of Karaashilp located in Bangalore.
What Motivated you to start your Business?
Sitting in the boring confines of lifeless cubicles in the corporate world for over 9 years, I was always dreaming of creating and making new things once back home. I was always more inclined to creating things by hand. Hence crocheting and knitting was my passion.I loved experimenting with stuff lying around the house which were no more usable and make them functional .It was time to step out of the Virtual world and step into Reality. India has diverse art forms, colors, materials and it always encouraged me to learn more and more. “Karaashilp” was born out the need to learn, share and showcase talent.
Tell us about your Business ….
KaraaShilp means “Hand Craft”. Hand crafts are a dying art. Through KaraaShilp, we wish to revive the interest and appreciation for meticulously and passionately made handcrafted products as also fuse western and Indian crafts to make contemporary, affordable and functional lifestyle products.
Also going the green way, KaraaShilp upcycles/recycles materials wherever possible and make exquisite, usable products.
This is a small beginning for a giant step ahead and that is to help, teach and provide employment to women and empower them. Our Product range includes bags/totes, home decor, personal accessories, jewellery, garden products, crocheted products.
Upcycling/Recycling Projects:
The idea for this came when I saw my husband’s stash of old, non-fitting denims lying around and too dear for me to throw them off. Thats when I decided to cut them to make a bag for myself and since I am crazy about crocheting, I added some fun crochet embellishments.This was my first bag
What is a Day in a life of you like?
Like all mom’s, a typical day starts for me at dawn to prepare lunch for my son and hubby. A little reading in the morning and then starts Karaashilp. Multitasking is the only skill which I acquired during my “IT” years of job which will stay useful for life. Karaashilp ticks 24×7 in my head.
One particular skill you got right and gave you best results,
Cannot pin point really since I mix a lot of techniques in my work.
What have been your biggest challenges in running your Business so far?
Finding good skilled labor. I still do all the conceptualization, designing and implementation of each product.And though I wish for 48hrs a day, work is never over.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Its been a conscious decision right from the beginning that the customers should own a unique design of Karaashilp. Hence no two products are made exactly the same. Since this is also communicated to my customers, they do not mind the wait sometimes.
What have you found the most effective way to get new clients?
Well I don’t think one particular method works. A mix of social networking, satisfied customers recommendations and networking is required.
What advice to you give to other business owners?
Do not give up when the going gets tough. Always keep in mind that when challenges come, it is not the END of the road, it is just a BEND in the road. So keep working.
How did you keep motivated through difficult times?
My biggest support my husband,friends and family keep pumping me. And of course like I said above- I apply it for myself.
Whats your Your Marketing, Funding and Team Building Strategy
Well I do not exactly have any strategy. There are times when theory does not make sense to me and had to rely only on experience. Since I was an IT professional earlier and have no prior experience in my current field, most of my marketing strategies have been trial and error. Funding started from my savings and since I have no team to manage…never worked on that aspect.
Your Achievements:
When people look at my creations and say – All your work is so innovative, creative and functional!
Whats your favorite quote?
Dream, Achieve, Inspire
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by nature, by all the creative people I interact with, by everyday things around me.
Do you have a Business Philosophy?
Our philosophy is to have all our deals and products with complete sincerity, transparency and honesty.
Contact links
Website | Facebook | Orders – Email : orders@karaashilp.com
More Info
https://www.startupfreak.com/karaashilp-2/
Startup Freak wishes Best of Luck to Tanushree Nair!
